by:
05/15/2025
0
“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (v1). God’s law defined “holiness” in terms of relationships. Israelites were to relate to God in specific ways, for example: “Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourself” (v4). In relationships with everyone, they were forbidden to lie, steal, deceive, or seek revenge (v11-18). With the poor, they were to be merciful and to leave extra in the fields (v9,10,13). With foreigners, Israelites were to love them and treat them as “native born” (v33-34).
“I am the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt” (19:36). Just as God revealed himself through rescuing his people, he calls us to demonstrate our new identity as his holy people through how we love and serve others.